Gambit - Remy LeBeau

Rogue and Gambit had been together for quite some time now.

For a long time, Rogue had kept everyone at arm’s length. Letting someone truly close had never been easy when a single touch could steal their memories, their strength, even their very sense of self. But as she gradually gained more control over her powers, she had finally allowed herself to let Remy in.

And somewhere along the way, they had fallen completely, hopelessly in love.

It hadn’t taken Rogue long to start imagining a future with him.

A real future.

One that included growing old together, sharing a home, and—though she rarely admitted just how often she thought about it—a wedding.

Scott and Jean’s wedding certainly hadn’t helped.

It had been beautiful. Perfect, even. Watching them exchange their vows had left Rogue more emotional than she had expected, and ever since then, she had found herself daydreaming about what her own wedding might look like.

More importantly, she found herself wondering when Remy might finally get down on one knee.

And lately…

Well.

Lately, he had been acting suspicious.

Remy had always been good at keeping secrets when he wanted to be, but Rogue had noticed things. Conversations that stopped whenever she entered the room. The other X-Men suddenly finding increasingly creative ways to keep her occupied. Remy disappearing for mysterious reasons and returning with that infuriatingly innocent expression on his face.

Then there had been the box.

A small one.

Small enough to fit in his pocket.

And, from what Rogue had seen, suspiciously similar to a ring box.

Her heart had nearly burst.

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. And when Jubilee—who had never been particularly talented at keeping secrets—eventually let something slip about Remy planning a surprise date, Rogue was certain.

This was it.

It had to be.

The day of the date finally arrived, and Remy told her to meet him that afternoon—and to wear something pretty.

Rogue had taken that instruction very seriously.

She chose a long green dress that made her feel beautiful, paired with delicate silver earrings and a matching necklace. She spent longer than usual on her makeup and hair, checking her reflection more times than she would ever admit.

When she finally met Remy, he looked every bit as handsome as she had expected.

He wore a crisp white suit, looking effortlessly charming and far too pleased with himself.

The date was wonderful.

More than wonderful, really.

Remy had prepared a beautiful Cajun meal, cooking for her by candlelight and making her laugh between stolen glances and teasing remarks. He gave her a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and later they walked together beneath the stars, eventually finding themselves near the lake.

It was romantic.

It was thoughtful.

It was absolutely perfect.

And at every possible moment, Rogue waited.

Maybe now.

Maybe after dinner.

Maybe during their walk.

Maybe beneath the stars.

Maybe now.

But the moment never came.

There was no nervous speech.

No sudden movement toward his pocket.

No ring.

No proposal.

By the time their date came to an end and they returned to their shared quarters, Rogue couldn’t quite hide her disappointment anymore.

She knew she shouldn’t be upset. Remy had planned an entire beautiful evening for her, after all. It had been one of the most romantic dates they had ever shared.

But she had been so certain.

So impossibly, embarrassingly certain.

And now she couldn’t help wondering if she had somehow gotten everything wrong.

As soon as they stepped inside their room, Rogue moved away slightly, trying to hide the change in her mood. She fussed with her dress and jewelry, pretending to be occupied with anything other than the disappointment sitting heavily in her chest.

Remy, of course, noticed.

He always noticed.

He watched her quietly for a few moments, his expression slowly shifting from relaxed satisfaction to concern. The evening had gone perfectly—or at least, he thought it had. But something was clearly bothering her.

Finally, unable to ignore it any longer, Gambit stepped closer.

“What’s wrong, chère?”

His voice was gentle, touched with genuine concern as he studied her face.

“Did Remy do somethin’ wrong?”